Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 (10:30 am)
Prelude Cortege et Litanie by Marcel Dupre
Welcome
Opening Acclamation
Please rise in body or spirit. Throughout the service, please ring your bell at every “Alleluia.” Kids: you have one in your Worship Bag!
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Opening Hymn Jesus Christ is Risen Today H207
Liturgy of Word
The first part of the service is the Liturgy of the Word: we read and respond to appointed lessons from Scripture.
Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray.
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Gloria Sung by choir. A Little Jazz Mass by Bob Chilcott
First Lesson Please be seated. Acts 10:34-43
Peter began to speak to Cornelius and the other Gentiles: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm Please sing the REFRAIN, as we pray the Psalm. 118: 1-2, 14-24
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
* his mercy endures for ever.
2 Let Israel now proclaim, *
"His mercy endures for ever."
14 The Lord is my strength and my song, *
and he has become my salvation. REFRAIN
15 There is a sound of exultation and victory *
in the tents of the righteous:
16 "The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *
the right hand of the Lord is exalted!
the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!" REFRAIN
17 I shall not die, but live, *
and declare the works of the Lord.
18 The Lord has punished me sorely, *
but he did not hand me over to death. REFRAIN
19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
I will enter them;
I will offer thanks to the Lord.
20 "This is the gate of the Lord; *
he who is righteous may enter."
21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation. REFRAIN
22 The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord's doing, *
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 On this day the Lord has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it. REFRAIN
Second Lesson Colossians 3:1-4
If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn
Siyahamba/We are Marching in the Light of God
Sung before and after the Gospel Reading.
The Holy Gospel Please remain standing. John 20:1-18
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
(Please be seated)
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
(Repeat Sequence Hymn)
Sermon The Rev. Brenda Sol
A moment of silence is observed.
Nicene Creed Spoken in unison.
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Confession is omitted during Eastertide.
Prayers of the People
Leader We pray to Jesus who is present with us to eternity. Jesus, light of the world, bring the light and peace of your gospel to the nations. Jesus, Lord of life,
People In your mercy, hear us.
Leader Jesus, bread of life, give food to the hungry and nourish us with your word. Jesus, Lord of life,
People In your mercy, hear us.
Leader Jesus, our way, our truth, our life, be with all who follow you in the way. Deepen our appreciation of your truth and fill us with your life. Jesus, Lord of life,
People In your mercy, hear us.
Leader Jesus, Good Shepherd, who gave your life for the sheep, recover the straggler, bind up the injured, strengthen the sick, especially those who we name [Petitions may be added, silently or aloud] and lead the healthy and strong to new pastures. Jesus, Lord of life,
People In your mercy, hear us.
Leader Jesus, the resurrection and the life, we give you thanks for all who have lived and believed in you. Raise us with to eternal life. Jesus, Lord of life,
People In your mercy, hear us, accept our prayers, and be with us always. Amen.
The Celebrant offers this concluding collect:
Be present, O Risen Christ, in this your Church’s Easter praise. May we, like Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, and all the witnesses to the resurrection see the tomb empty, and joyfully believing, walk in your newness of life.
Grant that our anthems of joy may give honor to the mystery of your redeeming love and that our proclamations of your victory over death may reflect the majesty of your eternal glory. In your most holy Name we pray.
All Amen.
Peace Please rise in body or in spirit.
Alleluia! The peace of Christ be always with you.
And also with you.
You are invited to greet those around you by saying “Peace be with you” or simply “Peace.”
Welcome and Announcements Please be seated for a few brief announcements.
Birthday Prayer
Watch over your child, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever them may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Offertory Anthem Music Down in My Soul by Moses Hogan
Doxology
Please rise in body or spirit and sing, as the offering is brought forward.
The Liturgy of the Table
The second part of the liturgy moves to the Table. As we remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, we gather in a way Christians have for millenia.
Eucharistic Prayer Please remain standing, in body or spirit.
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant
But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life. Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Celebrant and People (Sung by choir)
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Please stand or kneel, in body or spirit.
Then the Celebrant continues
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you
have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
Celebrant continues, holding the cup
On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, according to his command, O Father,
Celebrant and People
We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;
The Celebrant continues
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with [ and] all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.
By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
Great Amen The congregation sings the “Great Amen” based on “Over My Head.”
Celebrant
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
Lord’s Prayer Prayed in the language or version of your heart.
Padre nuestro que estás . . . Our Father who art . . .
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
Alleluia, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia. The gifts of God for the people of God.
Communion Hymns
The congregation is invited to join in the singing of communion hymns.
The Summons arr. John Bell
At the Lamb’s High Feast H174
Post Communion Prayer Please rise, in body or spirit.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
Eternal God, heavenly Father,
you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Blessing
Dismissal
Deacon Alleluia, Alleluia! Go in Peace to love and serve the Lord!
People Thanks be to God, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Concluding Hymn Oh, Happy Day!
Please join in singing the words “O Happy Day,” as they occur during the hymn.
Postlude Symphony No. 1, Finale by Louis Vierne
Easter Offerings
Contributions have been made in memory and honor of . . .
Robert & Virginia Wheeler, David & Callie McCoy, Betty & Leonard Walz Sr., Alisa M. Anderson, Mary Myers Allen & Dr. Marcus Allen
And in thanksgiving of . . .
Maryanne Angliongto, Mike Stokes, Scott Ferguson,
Olivia Marie Hines & Eleanor Rose Hines,
Our Organist, Earl Naylor & our Choir; for their
“dedication and exceptional musicianship,”
The Mochow Family, Chidi Ezenwa, Marlene O'Brien, Carol Schmidt
Service Leaders
Preacher: The Rev. Brenda Sol
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Music Director: Mary Chapman
Organist: Earl Naylor
Reader: Barbara Robinson
Intercessor: Zachary Adams
Crucifer: Rudy Walz
Torch Bearers: Ilona Potter, Luca Barbato
Chalice Bearers: Marlene O’Brien, Andrew Wasson
Greeters: Bob Lowes, Bex Comas, Heidi Volkl
Announcements: Tim Anderson
Streamer: Tyler Schwartz
Musicians: Tim Anderson, Haley Benson, Leslie Caplan, Brad Currey,
Bridget Emerson, Joe Emerson, Karin Hagaman, Lydia Hill
Justino Gordón-LeChevalié, Scott Lunte
Brittany Moleski, Stephanie Polster, Paul Roesler
Nick Schlueter, Willem von Hombracht
Andrew Wasson, Jim Wire
Vestry
Kellie McCoy, Senior Warden
Joe Donahou, Junior Warden
Tim Anderson, Interim Treasurer
Pat Redington, Secretary
Rebecca Comas
Heidi Volkl
Rudy Walz
Gloria Grenwald
Karen Payne
Nancy Donohoo
Staff
The Rev. Brenda Sol, Rector
314-721-7401 x302
The Rev. Chester Hines, Deacon
314-386-7762; chinesj@charter.net
Darcy Brainard, Parish Administrator
314-721-7401 x301
Mary Chapman, Director of Music
Earl Naylor, Organist
Jim Kern, Financial Administrator
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net.
Easter Flower & Musician Offerings: Easter offering envelopes can be found in the pews, or stacked in the Narthex entries, if you would like to make a contribution towards Easter flowers & musicians.
Church Work Day: On Saturday, April 18, 9am-12pm, join the Building & Grounds Committee for Spring cleaning! Help with yard work, window cleaning, and other assignments to spruce up our place of worship. Take this opportunity for fellowship & come as you are able. Email Bob Lowes at robertlowes1@gmail.com for more info.
Laundry Love: Through Laundry Love, Holy Communion members have supported our University City community since 2017. Each third Tuesday of the month, this ministry shares fellowship, while putting quarters in the machines for our neighbors. Join us on April 21, 6-8 p.m. at Classic Coin Laundromat on Balson Ave. Sign up on website under the Service & Outreach > Laundry Love tab.
Community Care Cupboard: Please continue to donate to our Community Care Cupboard, Holy Communion's food drive that fills the UCity School District's food pantry. Non-perishable donations can be left in the Narthex.
New to Holy Communion? We are excited to welcome you to worship at Holy Communion! Please fill out a “Let’s Get Connected,” and turn it to a Greeter, or drop it in the Communion plate.
Save the Date
Theology on Tap: Thurs, April 30, at Schlafly Bottleworks from 6-8 pm
Renewal of Ministry Celebration/Rector Installation: Wed, May 6 at 6 pm
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988 and WorshipCast License #13476
